MARK O'MEARA, after shooting four rounds of 67 to win at Pebble Beach last week, opened with a 67 at Torrey Pines, then shot a 66 in the second round yesterday to share the lead in the Buick Invitational at La Jolla, California.

O'Meara, playing on the North course, finished at 11 under par to stand tied for the second round lead with Steve Lowery, who also had a 66, on the more difficult South course.

One stroke behind were Michael Bradley, who shot the day's low round of 63, and Frank Lickliter, the third alternate and last man in the field, who had a 68.

Craig Stadler, the 1994 winner of this tournament, was two shots off the lead after a 68, while four former Buick Invitational champions were at eight under par - Phil Mickelson (67), Bob Tway (72), Jay Don Blake (71) and Dan Forsman (70).

O'Meara had eight birdies and two bogeys on the North course, the only course used on the weekend.

"This is kind of like last week," said O'Meara. "I'm not entirely comfortable over the ball, but I'm putting well and not getting upset with myself when the shots don't come off exactly the way I want. If I start driving a little better, I could be tough on the weekend."

Lowery, who finished a stroke behind Stadler when he won in 1994, eagled both the ninth and 18th holes on the South course.

Both nines finish with reachable par fives, and Lowery sank an eight foot putt on the ninth, and tapped in from a foot on 18. He also had four birdies and two bogeys in his round.

Lowery, who was six under par on the four par fives, said after war - "I played the par fives really well, that's the story of my round I feel very comfortable when I play this course, it sets up well for me."